Using QR codes in Teaching and Libraries


There has been a lost of research around the idea of using QR codes in classrooms and libraries. Some of the ideas are simple, others are more complex. They are not limited to elementary schools or high schools specifically, but schools can decide how this opportunity would work within their school setting.

FOR GENERAL EDUCATION

Marielle Lange created a presentation that was used at a recent in-service that she presented at. This presentation displays how QR codes can be used in various aspects of education. See that presentation below.







IN THE CLASSROOM

Specific classrooms can use QR codes for purposes within their four walls. Some teachers may decide that this system would allow for more organization and technology usage in their classroom. It would just depend on how you see this benefiting your students learning.

Charity L. Preston contributed a blog post to Free Technology for Teachers Blog back in April that suggested some great activities that involved incorporating QR codes into her classroom. Read that blog here or scan on the QR code to view it from your smart phone.
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Also, Preston created a presentation also describing how to use QR codes in the classroom.







This video shows a young girl describing how she uses QR codes to find useful websites in her classroom.


Here are some other ways to use QR codes in the classroom:
  • put a code in classroom newsletter linking to classroom monthly calendar of events
  • create classroom scavenger hunts with codes leading to next hint
  • use a QR code to link students to additional help on various lesson plans in math or other subjects
  • add links to student work that has been posted online
  • link to audio recordings of student goals and place in agenda or post on desk
  • provide students with codes that link to school appropriate music
  • codes can link to a map of upcoming field trip
  • put a code inside home reading book that links to comprehension questions
  • use codes as labels for parts of a diagram where links direct you to a description of that part
  • codes can be used for classroom polls
  • record lessons and link to a code for absent student to view




IN THE LIBRARY

All around the world, more and more libraries are finding QR codes to be a useful organizational and informational tool. With little instruction, students are scanning these codes to find out more information about the books on the shelves.

Library Success lists several links to how QR codes are being used in various libraries.

Here is a video that shows how QR codes can link library books to book descriptions, reviews, podcasts of audio books, etc.


Setting up your library to reflect to reflect the system in the video clip would require a lot of time. It is effective, but here are some simple ways you can start using QR codes to promote your library and it's contents:
  • bookmarks containing a QR code can link to your library homepage
  • post a QR code on the door of the library that links people to online reservation form to book out the library space
  • put QR codes on a poster that will lead students to find resources on a particular area of study. It might point them to the correct section in the library or it may list book titles or other sites to visit for more information
  • add a QR code to a particular author display to learn more about their work
  • can be used as a "treasure hunt" in the library
  • link to comprehension questions and place codes inside books
  • use QR codes to link award winning books to their recognition pages